When taken with meals and snacks, pancreatic enzymes will correct or partially correct the maldigestion problems in people whose pancreas does not work. Enzyme therapy also improves symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain and leads to weight gain if a child is malnourished. Patients with SDS generally respond well to enzyme replacement therapy. The dose of enzymes needs to be adjusted according to the amount of food that is eaten and should be increased as children grow. Never increase the dose excessively without consulting your doctor. The use of extremely high doses has been associated with severe complications in patients with cystic fibrosis.

There are multiple commercial preparations, all of which come in different strengths. It is very important to recognize the strength of the preparation you/your child is taking. Examples of some of the preparations available in Canada and the USA are shown below. Some are available in capsules containing enzyme powder. Others are capsules containing micro tablets or beads of enzymes. The enteric coated products (ECS) have an outer coating that protects the enzyme from being destroyed by stomach acid.

Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy – Units of Lipase per capsule

Product

Pancrease MT

Creon

Ultrase MT

Cotazym

Powder

N/A

N/A

N/A

8,000

ECS

4,000

5,000

4,000

4,000

10,000

10,000

12,000

8,000

16,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

25,000

Below is a link to how the Cystic Fibrosis organization gives advice on enzyme information and guidelines WHICH CAN AID SDS PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AS WELL. ALTHOUGH CYSTIC FIBROSIS PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY PRESENTS DIFFERENTLY THAN SDS PANCREATIC INSUFFICIENCY, THE ENZYME INFORMATION IS SIMILAR.